uSINE-PAMS Artificial Intelligence-Driven, Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Puncture to Improve Procedural Accuracy: A Pilot Study Report.

BACKGROUND

Traditional lumbar punctures (LPs) often fail, leading to diagnostic delays and increased risks. Ultrasound guidance provides improved success rates but faces adoption barriers due to neuraxial-ultrasound training and implementation challenges. The Ultrasound-Guided Spinal Landmark Identification With Needle Navigation System and Position and Angular Marking System (uSINE-PAMS) were designed to address these issues: uSINE is a machine-learning software for neuraxial-ultrasound guidance; PAMS is a hardware that translates ultrasound data for accurate needle insertion.

RECENT FINDINGS

A pilot study with 10 patients showed that uSINE-PAMS-guided LP achieved an 80% first-pass success rate with no complication; the median patient age was 43 years, and the median body mass index was 24.5 kg/m. The uSINE-PAMS system showed feasibility.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This pilot study showed that uSINE-PAMS-guided LP is feasible with a promising first-pass success rate at 80%. An ongoing phase 2 study (NCT05824546) of uSINE-PAMS may alter future standard of practice for LPs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION

This pilot study is registered under ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT05824546).